On Tuesday, May 29th I got to conduct my first Morning Meeting. I was unable to do one on Monday because the students had to go to the computer lab for MAPs (Measure of Academic Progress) testing. MAPs are computerized tests that last approximately an hour and results are quickly available to teachers and parents. Students take the tests in the three subject areas (math, reading, language). Students take the MAP test in the Fall and Spring
of each academic year (and in some cases in the Winter as well) to assess instructional level and measure academic
growth.
When Mrs. Sullivan informed me that she wanted me to start leading the Morning Meeting I thought it would be fun to come up with themes and use the meetings as a way to learn more about my students. For my first meeting I planned on having my theme relate to Venice and traveling throughout Italy. For my greeting I was going to have the student's pantomime something about themselves (favorite sport, food, activity), then share their favorite places in Italy and then close with the Pass the Mask activity. From my first meeting I learned how as teachers you need to be specific in your instruction. Even though my meeting went well. My quick greeting of pantomime became my activity and my sharing not only included favorite places in Italy, but all over the world. In the end though I learned that many of my students' favorite places are where their families live or where their friends are. For instance one student's favorite place is in Switzerland because her family lives there. Another student's favorite place is New York because that is where she was born. To me it was interesting because from my inital question smaller ones emerged and interesting details arose. For example the one student from New York talked about her second favorite place being Pennsylvania because of the amusement park, Dorney Park. As a child I spent many summers going to Dorney Park so it was fun to make a personal connection with that student. Conducting Morning Meetings has also allowed me to determine what places my students know. Morning Meetings can serve as a way to pre-teach lessons and see how much students already know about certain subjects.
As my inquiry project I look forward to exploring more about Responsive Classroom and the benefits it has in the classroom.
In addition to starting to plan Morning Meetings and other activities I have been reflecting a lot on transportation. Each morning I participate in a commute that involves two buses and can take anywhere between 30 to 45 minutes depending on the buses time schedule. This commute has made me more appreciate of my car in the States, but also has made me realize that some individuals need to rely on public transportation to get them places. Teachers need to be mindful of their students commutes. Some children may need to wake up hours before to make sure they arrive on time. These children may be more irritable than others and unwilling to participate. It is important for teachers to get to know their students so they can help be comfortable and successful in their classrooms.
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